Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has warned against the 'overhyping' of the club's young players including Cassus Mailula and Siyabonga Mabena.
Sundowns were held tor a goalless draw against Cape Town City on Tuesday night however on the day, 16-year-old Mabena made his second appearance for the Brazilians senor team.
Asked about the player's progress in the post-match press conference, Mokwena was reluctant to speak on the young starlet and warned against 'overhyping' young players.
"We have to be very careful, not too much noise," Mokwena told journalist
"I said it about Cassius [Mailula], I had to manage Cassius when he came back from Bafana because the youngsters need a bit of protection.
"We are not a country that is known to produce world-class talent at a very young age and there must be a reason for that. It should not be: 'oh but we don't have the talent,' there must be a reason why our players only reach a good level of performance a little bit later.
"Football nations produce 16-year-olds, and 17-year-olds that are ready to perform at this level but why don't we do that? That should be our question.
"Sometimes we overhype; we see one good game and all of a sudden, we say 'oh this one!' no no no, [let's calm down] a little bit."
"How many years has Themba Zwane been doing this? today you ask me more about Mabena, you should be asking me about Mshishi [Themba Zwane], you should be asking about Peter [Shalulile].
"Peter's level of consistency over the last four or five years, from Highlands Park, Sundowns, the number of goals. Peter's is on what? 98 goals, why are we not talking about Peter, why are we not talking about Peter?
READ | Rulani urges Sundowns players to represent their national teams
"Why are we talking about Mabena, we should not be speaking about Mabena, he's not done enough to be part of this press conference.
"[Let's be] quiet, quiet, and focus on the people that for many many years have reached a very good level of performance.
"We kill these talents by overhyping them and then all of a sudden they think they have arrived and then what happens? It's the curse of the rising star. It sounds cliché' but it's true.
You must be Sign In to post and read comments.
Click here to register: Sign In